Take 30.1 - Melting Pot

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!

Word Count – Medium- Long in length– 7K Words.✍✍👩‍💻👩‍💻

Taking some hours off to just Write this Out finally has truly been my Respite in taking my Mind Off – Everything Covid! And I truly hope – that you are able to experience some distraction and entertainment through the Story Too🤗❤🙏

‍💻

Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.

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Disclaimer:

This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 30.1 – Melting Pot

Meanwhile Simultaneously

Colombo, Sri Lanka

6:00 PM

Alice stepped out the washroom in her room – all set – to join the unit as they were scheduled to depart to the stadium in about twenty-five minutes from now. She had this usual habbit – off being ready to leave for a scheduled commitment – atleast about fifteen minutes early.

She rolled up her sleeves of her England's support unit jersey – halfway up her elbows now and began to use the little time at hand to just go through her medical bag and get on a brief call with her assistant on the unit – to make sure that everything was in place. Being the part of medical physio unit of a sporting unit always involved extensive preparation at their backend before every match – given that for obvious reasons – they all had to head to the field prepared for any/every sort of mishap that could potentially happen with the players on field during the games.

Five minutes later - Once she was done with checking up with all of that – and hung up the phone – she felt like dishing out a cup of piping hot coffee for herself – given that she still had some time at hand. And the usual rush of caffeine would work towards pumping her already excited self – for the game upfront tonight.

She gets on with doing just that.

The Tour of Sri Lanka had been a long one for everyone associated along with the players. England had clinched the Test Series by 2-1. Sri Lanka had clinched the ODI series by 2-1 as well. And now it was all down to the final T20 series to finish the tour with. She was in an excited space already in support of her unit – given that England had already clinched the first T20 match the other day. Today was the second scheduled match. And if they won this match – it meant that they would have clinched the series – before the final match was played.

She was also quite excited at a personal level given that she knew that things had been going great for Khushi along with Arnav's family at his home over this weekend. She was beyond just thrilled for her precious baby – obviously.

Now that the coffee was ready – she placed the electric kettle back in its stand and walked back to the window off her room and gazed out taking in the view as a little worry returned to tug on its strings in her mother's heart. She was obviously concerned about Arnav's family potential reaction to the situation with regards to her failed relationship with Rehaan and the circumstances around Khushi's birth. She had no doubt that Arnav would hold Khushi's hand tight through it all nonetheless – but knowing Arnav closely now and given that she had the softest corner for him too – she just felt like she'd hate to put the boy – in the middle of it all.

She takes a deep breathe sipping her coffee as a thought comes in. Maybe she be the one to open up to Arnav's parents tonight about it all on the video call – later tonight? She could make her intentions clear – that she didn't want to keep them in the dark – and as sensitive this bit was – it was never was her little girls fault in the first place.

Yeah.

She felt like that would be the right thing to do.Why have Khushi or Arnav try to get this out when she could be the one to handle it upfront as Khushi's mother. But then she also made up her mind to speak to Khushi about it first – to know her feelings about the same.

She was right on that thought when there was a knock on her door and she walked up to open it with her cup put in her hand – and she is momentarily surprised to find Rob standing there by her door right now. He looked like he was all set to head to the game dressed in his casual national team's tracksuit.

Rob had been having a wonderful tournament in Sri Lanka - professionally. He had scored big in the Test Series +ODI series and even in the first T20 a couple of days ago. But personally – Alice obviously knew that he had been having a hard time within for the last couple of months– coming to terms with moving on from what he had discovered within his emotions for Khushi – followed by the bit off the face to face talk with Arnav- Khushi – months ago.(She obviously knew about it all from Khushi/Arnav both)

And at the moment – she surely could figure that Rob wasn't here to discuss medical issues for as the head physio doctor on the team she had taken care off the last minute muscle concerns of all the players slated to play that match tonight well in time. She hears Rob ask now with a little smile – " Dr Alice...I know we still have a shortwhile until we leave...can I come in? I wanted to talk...it will be quick..."

Alice nods politely and asks –" sure..come on in then Rob...the elbow okay?right?"

Rob walks in to the room and takes his seat on the sofa around and he nods with a genuine sincere smile – " yes...Dr Alice..elbow okay..you made sure of that...prior...right?"

Alice nods and takes her seat in the chair opposite him now and asks sipping her coffee – " so...Rob...I am sure..this is personal then....what's up?? How you doing boy? I hope better...? Look...I know we never discussed this upfront in between of us...but I know everything that happened from both Arnav and Khushi...and look....Khushi's intention was never to hurt you with this nor was Arnav's truly...and I am sure you know that...we all really hope that you are able to move on..eventually.."

Rob smiles politely at that – " I know...Dr Alice...I know...that Khushi's or Raizada's intentions were never to hurt me...and yes...I am coping up much better now...spent the last couple of months sorting things through within...emotionally...but to be honest...I still haven't been able to date yet...hopefully with some more time down the line...I don't want to give into a rebound..wouldn't be fair to the girl I date next..right??"

Alice nods at that and she smiles – " Well..you are right about that... however yes.. I thought I spotted you in a chatter with couple of girls from the Sri Lankan support unit the other night at the casual meet and greet before the T20 series began...along with Brad...so nothing brewing in there then? with any of those gorgeous women??"

Rob chuckles at that – " Nope...Dr...nothing brewing in there...surely..they were just complimenting my game...it was a casual chatter with Brad around...nothing one on one ..."

Alice nods and sips her coffee – " Well...you have had a wonderful tournament game wise...Rob..so I am sure the compliments will continue pouring in..."

Rob smiles almost sadly – " thank you Dr Alice...but to be honest...this bit just makes me look back in retrospect even more...I mean...when you are on a professional high...you always find people buzzing around you/ all of a sudden everyone's interested...but perhaps it is about who is it that sticks by you in the lean patches/lows that matters??? And well...now that I look back...with khushi...I mean in the while we were together - well I had a significant lean patch for a couple of months in between too right as you would remember?and she stood by me strongly...nonetheless...then...I still remember how she'd try her best to see me through my moments of professional doubts......and to be honest..every bit off me is stoked within for her right now/ it has been that way sincerely ever since I found out...I am happy for her...I know Raizada is the deal for her...they are happy together....and I only wish them well..."

Alice smiles – " you have handled this well boy...give yourself credit for that...I surely do...,"and she asks next puzzled – " so...what's this bit about then??"

Rob explains now sincerely – "so yes....well... this morning..call it strange..maybe...but while..you were passing instructions over the rehab exercises for my little elbow issue to have it recouped in time by this evening...I just realised...that I didn't really apologize to you properly for the jerk I was to Khushi...right? I mean...I know I tried in some ways prior...but now that I look back I realise it wasn't as if I had an exclusive chat with you about it as it should have been...you'v been my doc for ages now...and I hurt your daughter....back then.,..which means that in some ways...I hurt you too...forgive me for it all...Dr Alice? I was such a jerk...I don't know what was I thinking...then...but I understand now in retrospect and have learnt what I had to out of it...and I am paying for my mistake too – given that yes...emotionally I am aware that I have lost the one I had been in love with all along in the process...it has been a significant emotional loss....the one for which I have no one to blame...but myself...anyways...the bottom line is that...I am here to apologize to you..too...sincerely....I am sorry...Dr Alice...so so sorry too..."

Alice smiles at that given that the sincerity in his tone right now didn't miss her eye nor did his tone of genuine repent – " thank you for that sincere apology Rob...its alright...okay? Don't worry about it.. I forgive you....Khushi does too....but I am sure you already know that there are no hard feelings in here..at all...I know you'v realised your folly...from back then....just like I also know that you have been having a tough time emotionally..as well...but all I wana say is - give yourself the time boy...you will heal...it will get better...indeed.."

Rob nods at that and he asks on reflex sure that Dr Alice could sense the wonder+ repent in his voice – " thank you Dr Alice...but given that it felt like I could ask you the very same – I wanted to know - does one really heal though? like wholey – after losing the one – your heart so deeply wants? Do you really forget ? Can one really move on with a whole heart again? and not the broken version of it's self? I know...you never really did...move on...after Khushi's Dad....so I can't help but wonder – if one eventually is able to do so wholeheartedly?? Does the angst get any better? Does it ever reach a point that it stops hurting??"

Alice sighs at that. The boy was truly hurting in the process of coming over his own personal guilt. She says sincerely and honestly– " well...to be honest boy...my case has always been different...and I can only say that its pretty much like to each their own in this context...I can't really pass a conclusive statement out on general for this differs personally to each....some people most surely do heal wholeheartedly with time and move on...and give love that chance again...and some...just like me...often find themselves being unable to let go of what was....but I do sincerely hope ....that you eventually find your back towards the former.....with time...Rob....you will be okay...boy...all you need is time..."

She says that to him out loud but does feel her very own Heartstring tug within with a natural emotional ache. Perhaps - no amount of time can be enough if your heart refuses to let go?

Rob nods at that sincerely – " thank you DR Alice..and yes...I hope this conversation remains in between of us...I wouldn't want Khushi to know....I don't want to burden her with anything..this is my bit that I gotta deal with...and I will...she's in a happy space right now and that surely is the only saving grace for me amidst this all...that she's at the smiling end...."

Alice nods at that politely. He still was in love with her little girl. She could read that in his eyes right now easily.She answers – " I am glad to know the same...don't worry..this stays in between us...,"and Rob nods back at her at that and begins to takes his leave – " alright..Dr Alice...I will see you on the bus then in ten??"

Alice nods and shoots him a thumbs up– "see you in ten...am excited to watch you roll your bat tonight..boy..."

Rob grins at that and nods at her and finally takes his leave.

The very second he steps out and Alice closes the door shut her phone beeps with Khushi's text.

Khushi : Mum...are you free? For like even a couple of minutes? am I late? I mean I know you are scheduled to head out to the stadium in a bit...but have you left the room already? I really need to talk to you right now...even if it is for a bit.....

That from Khushi worries Alice momentarily as she replies.

Alice : yes hun...I am free...for a couple of minutes...are you okay? Whats this about? Everything okay there with Arnav's family???????

It is right very then her phone buzzes with Khushi's video call and she swipes up to accept it – and the very second she spots – Khushi's emotionally vulnerable face with tears highlighting her cheeks + her eyes all welled up – she feels her heart sink in truckloads of worry as she asks sitting on the bed hurriedly – " baby...Khushi....whats wrong with you??? why are you crying this way Hun?? For christs sake...please talk to me...now....did something happen there?????"

She sees Khushi fight her emotional sobs as she brushes her hand through her hair as she whispers vulnerably wiping away her flood of tears simulatenously– " D..a...d....M...um....Arn..av...'s dad ask..ed...me...to...call...him...Da..d....and...th...is....wa..s...af..te...r...I ...told...Arnav's family...ev..erything...about Abbu....ou..r...situa...tion...I talked..to..themm..alone..while...Arnav's been busy on a con call...he's still preoccupied with it..he has..no idea...still...but...Mum...you under...stand..what this means...right?they are not going to ask me to stay away from Arnav mum..ever...the..e..y...re...cognnise...that our love is beyond it all...in..fac.t..they...wanted..to know everything...my ..journey...yo..ur...jour..ney....I just finished talking to them abou..t...it...all..and...I just had to buzz you about this....I called...Arnav's...Dad...as ...Da...d...Mum...and it felt so libera...ting..."

THAT FROM KHUSHI – SHOOTS ALICE UP INTO SPACE IN A ROCKET OF RELEIF INSTANTLY!

HER EYES WELL UP TO ON THEIR OWN ACCORD AS SHE FINALLY COMPREHENDS THE BIT THAT HER LITTLE BABY WAS WEEPING RIGHT NOW OUT OF OVERWHELMED HAPPY EMOTIONS!!

HER MOTHER'S HEART SENT OUT AN INSTANT BLESSING FOR Arnav's Family too.

She brushes her hand over her overwhelmed face now as she asks her little girl for confirmation with happy tear trailing down her cheeks too on reflex – " Arnav's dad...asked you to call him Dad...hun?? And you did???you talked to them about it all??? And they have no issues with our matter?? "

Alice sees Khushi nod vulnerably – five times over as she whispers now smiling through her tears – " yes Mum....yes...you heard me right the first time around....I know...you have to head out for the game soon...but...I will give you all the highlights later...tonight? Alrighty?Mum?? please just hope Arnav isn't too mad at me for doing this alone though????"

Alice smiles wiping her trail of happy tears off her cheeks too – " well...he surely will be surprised to bits at discovering that you did this alone in a one on one with his family hun..to be honest to you...I was just thinking that I'd like to talk to Arnav's parents tonight about this...and you tell me all of this...now...hun...I have no words to express the relief I am feeling within right now...I am truly a Melting Pot of relief + motherly bliss...right now..."

She sees Khushi chuckle through her tears at that as she says – " oh Mum...I love you so much...I can't tell you what I'v been feeling too...I mean can't express...right now...and oh Mum..wiat...I know you are supposed to head out...but Raima aunty and Arjun Dad..wana say a quick hello...they just gestured the same to me from across...is it okay???if they come into the frame then??"

Alice nods on reflex immediately at that even though she was at her emotional self right now she couldn't not speak to Arnav's parents right now. She spots Khushi gesturing across towards the other end with regards to the same.

She begins to wipe her happy tears but then she decides to let them be.

Twenty seconds later – as she sees – Arnav's parents come into the frame – grinning as they say in unison – " hello...Dr Jones......its really a kool thing that we are all doctor's here...now isn't it????"

Alice grins at that as she answers – " hello to you both as well... Dr Raizada's....,"and she says next as sudden vulnerable emotions take over – " thank you so much...thank you so very much to the two of you..for all the warm support and love you have extended to my little girl today...I am very moved right now...I apologize...I hadn't planned on interacting with the two of you with tears rolling down my cheeks...but ...looks like...it is what it is...."

Alice hears Raima answer first wiping a tear outta the corner of her eye – " thank you to you....Dr Jones...for Khushi....we love her...she's already a part of us...all...thank you for staying true to your heart and brining her to life...I am blown away by your courage too..Alice...just like we are all blown away by Khushi's...too..."

She hears Arnav's dad chip in next – " Dr Jones...please don't thank us...there is no formaily in between us at all..alright? khushi is no different to us than any of our children...we would like to assure you of that plus...you'v always been so warm and loving towards Arnav...we know all about that now don't we? So just like you'c accepted Arnav into your circle wholeheartedly..please be rest assured that we are beyond just thrilled to have Khushi be a part of us all...."

Alice wipes another happy tear – " thank you to both of you for that...you are very kind...now I know that the vibe of compassion+ kindness just runs its way forward in the genes..perhaps?"

She hears Arnav's Dad grin happily at that – " you bet it does Dr Jones..Arnav gets that streak from me indeed.."

She hears Raima tease him playfully – " really? just from you Dr Raizada??"

They both add happily next – " from us both..then.."

Alice grins at that happily and just as she is about to say something further – a text pops in – in her chat window from her assistant informing her that she was now heading to the bus and Alice says now sincelry – politely wiping another trail of her overwhelmed tears – " my apologies...please? I just gotta text telling me that its time for us to head to the bus...it was really nice to finally speak to the two of you..."

She hears Arnav's parents say in unison – " like wise...indeed...and...no worries...Dr Jones...we know you gotta match to head too..let's all catch up...later..tonight? after the game??"

Alice nods happily at that and hears Raima say happily – " we will buzz you...in a collective video call...along with both...Arnav and Khushi next..."

Alice nods – " that would be great..Raima..looking forward...,"and she finally spots Khushi come back into the video frame now after Arnav's parents nod at her politely and warmly.

She sees Khushi wipe a fresh trail of tears yet again as she whispers – " oh mum...I am so happy right now..so so ..so..freaking emotional...I can't...wa..it...for Arnav to be free now..so that he can know it all too... anyways..alright...you head out now Mum...excuse me for being a Melting Pot of Happy Tears right now though mum...I can't seem to stop...the flow of them...so I am just letting them flow..."

Alice smiles at that lovingly as she caresses the screen and sends her little girl a flying kiss – " take care...my baby...I hate that I have to go right now...duty calls....but I am so happy too hun...so relieved...I literally feel like...I have no worries now at all....hun..,"and they talk for a couple of more seconds before they finally hang up – lovingly – with happy relived tears pooled up in their eyes.

And just as they do hang up – Alice takes a moment to just bury her head in her hands – as she finally lets open the floodgate of her relieved emotions and cries it out for a bit.Her Heart being consumed and pushed into the version off a - Melting Pot - off Motherly Love, Bliss and Relief like never before!!!!!!!!

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Simultaneously

Raizada Mansion

6:20 PM

Arnav's POV

Man.

I love my team meetings immense – obviously. Especially the one's that come on the eve of us getting set to depart for a tour for it has us all pumped up in gaming excitement mostly as we eye the 22 Yards with the aim to win for India – again.

But I think I have to be honest in stating that – I am kind off glad that our conference call finally ended.(Because of obvious personal reasons which I surely know need no further explanataion). Our call surely ran significantly over that usual 45-minute call and lasted for 80 minutes this time around – given that our respective coaches had quite a bit to discuss with us all bit by bit – which – they are going to do so anyway in the next couple off days as we all reach UAE and begin to prep for the Asia Cup + the bit that everyone in the squad was so pumped up! So on that note – its only fair that I give in a little context into our gaming schedule. The gaming schedule of the ASIA CUP is that – once we all check into Dubai tomorrow - we all do have a week of training within our respective units to get accustomed to UAE pitches before the next twenty days off ASIA CUP finally begin post that.

To be honest – the gaming professional is quite excited too!

Anyways – I do not want to get into my gaming zone completely right now given that every bit within me is wanting to shift that focus to tomorrow – when I finally leave. Right now – I just wana return my exclusive attention to everything personal.

On that note – as I make my way now to join everyone in the family living room – I most surely have to admit that I am also quite pumped up about the ASIA CUP tournament this time around – because this time around when I meet Raahil around off the pitch/game– atleast in my head the context of that meeting would be different. He is My Fiore's half – brother – afterall.

On that note – guys – what would Khushi and everyone else be upto right now???

I grin to myself immediately.

Raizada – you surely must know that everyone must be leaking out more of your goner in love secrets cheekily to Khushi – the little of those that were still left for them to say.

Ha!

Yaaaaa! I can surely imagine them doing just that.

I near the family living room now grinning in glee and I enter in as I exclaim out loud – " so yeah..this surely has to be a legit point to be noted..everyone...Khushi...for the first time ever...I am finally glad my meeting ended..what have...you..all..been...doin..???,"and the letter – G of the word doing automatically stays put in my mouth in sheer worry and puzzlement as I take in the vibe of the atmosphere around in the family living room – and the sight off Khushi holding onto Mom and Di – as she wept in their arms right now – and everyone else as in Jiju, Dad, Akash, Payal surrounded them all – and were gazing at Mom – Khushi and Di – emotionally too!

OKAY!

WAIT UP!

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?

WHAT'S JUST HAPPENED????????

WHY IS MY FIORE CRYING THIS WAY RIGHT NOW????

WHAT DID I MISS???

WHY IS EVERYONE IN SUCH AN EMOTIONALLY VULNERABLE ZONE RIGHT NOW?????? I CAN JUST SENSE THAT THEY ARE! SO MUCH SO THAT NO ONE'S EVEN NOTICED MY PRESENCE YET OR HEARD THE WORDS OF MY PRIOR EXCITED SELF!

WHAT THE????????????????

Worry consumes my heart now on its own accord as I stride up to everyone closer with the intention to get to Khushi immediately and I ask, sure that they could all sense the tention in my voice – " Khushi...fiore...baby...what's wrong? Why are you crying this way right now??,"and just as everyone hears that – and Khushi looks up at me first – she instantly leaps forward in my arms and hugs me tight and continues to sob and I can only hold onto her worried as I look at the serious faces of Mom, Dad, Di, Jiju, Akash and Payal as I ask them – " Mom, Dad..Akash...Payal...Di...Jiju...what just happened in here??? Why is Khushi crying this way??? Why are you all so freaking serious??? Dammit...please...any of you tell me something dammit...before I loose my mind....please..."

YEAH.

I AM FREAKING ON THE VERGE OFF LOOSING MY MIND RIGHT NOW – INDEED.

I AM NO LESS THAN A MELTING POT OF WORRY – RIGHT NOW!

And Just as Mom is about to answer me – I feel Khushi lean up from my arms that she was sobbing into and she whispers softly to Mom – " Raima aunty..can I? I wana tell him..about it..all...please??,"and she locks her emotionally vulnerable gaze with mine which makes me cup her face worriedly as I wipe her tears away and ask in a worried rush – " Khushi...baby...please...talk...say something...you wana tell me something?? what it is love? what just happened whilst I was away??"

Khushi finally smiles a little through her tears – the smile that seems like a sudden miraculous rainbow on an otherwise gloomy , rainy, stormy day and whispers – " Arnav..first thing out...quit worrying okay? I am only weeping because I am so emotional...but like...in a good way...in a super duper goo...d...wa...y...th..at's..alll...and when you walked in right now...you saw everyone huddled around me as I hugged onto Raima aunty and Di weeping was because...Raima aunty and Arjun Dad just finished talking to Mum on the video call for the first time ever...and I was just so emotional after...because it went well..."

OKAYYYYY!

I SIGH IN INSTANT RELEIF AS I HEAR THAT AND HUG KHUSHI TIGHT IN MY ARMS AND KISS HER HEAD – AS MY FAMILY WATCHES ON – NOW SMILING TO THEMSELVES.

But.

Wait.

Guys!!

This was supposed to happen after the game at Mrs J end right???????

AND.

WAIT.

WAIT.

HOLY HEAVENS!

WAIT.

DID I ALSO JUST HEAR MY FIORE CALL DAD AS – 'DAD' – LIKE LITERALLY?????????? FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!

HEAVY EMOTIONS ALERT!!

I pull back instantly now as I cup Khushi's face and caress her cheeks – " baby...did you just call Dad...Dad????"

Khushi nods and cups my face emotionally – " yes...Arnav...I just did....and that's because....Arjun uncle...asked me to do the same...and that too after I told everyone...everything....about Abbu, the situation with my parents, I talked to them about it all baby...whilst you were busy on your call...because...I felt like I just had too...I didn't want to put you in an awkward worried spot/potential crossfire with everyone you know because at that point I was nervous about what if this didn't go down well with your family...but now I know that there was nothing to worried about...at all....they know everything...baby...they know...it all..,"and with that she just hugs the frozen/stunned in shock me all tight again.

I hold her in my arms – obviously as I observe everyone in my family exchanging warm loving smiles as they are gazing at me and us – sincerely and silently letting us have our moment as they watch on.

BUT.

MY MIND'S FREAKING FROZEN – MOMETARILY.

WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?SHE DID? WHILST I WAS ON THE CALL???

OH GODAMMIT HER – I SHOULD HAVE FREAKING TRUSTED MY GUT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING ELSE BREWING UP IN HER MIND WHILST SHE WAS KISSING ME THE WAY SHE WAS – BEFORE I WENT ON MY CALL.

I SHOULDN'T HAVE FREAKING GOTTEN DISTRACTED BY HER BRIEF KISS – AFTER.

I can't believe she did what she did – without me by her side! A part of me is freaking upset with her doing this by herself!

Guys – don't get me wrong – alright? I am only freaking upset because I know she would have freaking felt like a nervous wreck within through it all – she surely would have cried too – and I wasn't freaking there to hold her hand/ or her through it all!!

But do I want to express the bit about being upset to my Fiore about this in front off everyone?

Ofcourse not! I'd never embarrass her that way right now – in front of all.

I hold onto that thought as my heart instructs me to look beyond and see her other underlying intention of doing this for me - and I instruct my stunned voicebox to function now and I pull Khushi up by her shoulders as I kiss her head and ask wiping her tears away – " you cried...buckets..didn't you? fiore?? Godammit...you..,"and I just hug her hard again into myself exchanging sincere looks with everyone around as they nod at me in answer to that.

Khushi pulls up instantly though and she looks at me straight as she whispers – " don't cover up...Arnav...I know...you are a little upset...that I did this alone...that I didn't talk about this with you prior...I saw it...love...that flash off momentary disturbance..in your eyes...be honest with me please...are you mad at me for this for real??"

And before I can even answer my Fiore – I see Mom glare at me as she jumps to Khushi's side – "Son...don't you dare...be mad at Khushi...for this..."

Di jumps in from the other side – " Arnav...I will not speak to you for two whole months..if you say that you are mad at Khushi right now..."

Akash jumps in like a protective brother behind Khushi too – " ill forget that you are my twin..brother..too..if you say the same...you have no idea..what it took of Khushi to do this..she did for you...brother..."

Ravi jiju chips in with a casual shrug – " I wont speak to you for three full months...Arnav...Anjali just mentioned...two.."

Payal seconds Ravi Jiju at that.

And so does- Dad as he chips in now coming in to side hug Khushi too giving me the glare– " and I shall do the very same son...if you even utter the word – I am mad at you Khushi...right now.....so watch before you answer that son...you cannot be mad at our girl for this at all...no not at all...."

OKAY!

WAIT UP!

GUYS!

IS THIS HAPPENING FOR REAL?

DID MY ENTIRE FAMILY JUST GANG UP ON ME THIS WAY AND JUMP TO KHUSHI'S SIDE???????

HA!

AND JUST LIKE THAT AS IF A SWITCH JUST FLIPPED ALL MY PRIOR – UPSETNESS – VANISHED OUTTA THE WINDOW – AS I TAKE IN THE SIGHT OF MY FAMILY JUMPING TO MY FIORE'S SIDE RIGHT NOW.

I MEAN – I LOVE IT!

I LOVE THE SIGHT SO FREAKING MUCH.

BECAUSE IT TELLS ME THAT THEY HAVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY – GIVEN MORE WEIGHTAGE TO THE HUMAN KHUSHI IS ABOVE ALL TOO – AND OUR LOVEEE!

And just like that it freaking clicks in – that whatever happened in the time I was gone – most definitely solidified/cemented Khushi's bond with everyone on a different tangent altogether.

I look at the faces of everyone now and Khushi's nervous face as she's searching my face for reaction now and I finally chuckle as I ask everyone – " wait...wait..wait....?? Do you all really believe that I'd be mad at Khushi for this??? In the first place?? baby...fiore...do you really believe the same? Even for a second??"

Everyone narrows their eyes at me and I shake my head in an amused disbelief.

Khushi whispers locking her emotional gaze with mine – " well...I think maybe mad wasn't the right word to use first...love...I think...you'r just a tad bit upset? Perhaps??"

I admit pulling her into an instant hug now kissing her head – " yeah....you got that right baby..and I am only upset...because...I wasn't there to hold your hand through it all...love...that's all....I know this was freaking hard for you...right? and I wasn't by your side...baby...that hurt me...that's about it all..."

The moments extremely emotional right now but I swear Guys I am fighting the urge to chuckle only because of the relieved happy expressions on my family's faces right now.

Mom and Dad are exchanging happy grins as if to convey to one another – That's more like our son. Akash and Di seem to be doing the same the only bit that I think they are silently wording the bit to one another – That's more like our brother. Payal and Jiju join in everyone too.

Khushi whispers into my arms holding me tighter – " you were there...Arnav...you surely were...ask everyone..I was holding the frame with your picture so freaking tight..whilst I was in the moment...taking strength from stealing glances at your picture..."

THAT OBVIOUSLY MELTS MY HEART.

Immense.

AS IF I WERE THE BLOCK OFF AMUL BUTTER ON THE HIGH FLAME.Shoving me into feeling like the Melting Pot – gushing with only deep shades of Love that wire my heart for Her on reflex.

So.

What do I do next?

I just hug Khushi tighter ofcourse and kiss her head ten times over as I look at everyone and say now – " okay...time to fill me up everyone...I wana know everything...please???"

Khushi nods and so does everyone and as we all take our seats and I hold onto Khushi tighter and snug close next to me – whilst everyone begins to fill me up on it all and as I listen it all lacing my hands through Khushi's tight – I can't help but feel pride and deep love take over every cell of my being.

Pride because – I can surely sense now as I am hearing it all that My Fiore has come a long way ahead in her very own strength for just doing this all by herself too.

And Deep Love because – well – I am way too moved emotionally to hear her reasons of wanting to do this alone yet again/safeguarding me – and everything that she said to all – in her expression of her raw love for me.

Godammit.

This woman.

She's gonna freaking drive me crazy with intense emotion one day surely. Not that she already hasn't. And as I kiss her head again sideways and our intense emotional gaze locks again – I am sure that she knows what this moment is doing to me emotionally as I hear about her – vulnerable emotional last hour – spent with my family plus my parents call with Mrs J.

She surely knows that I am going to make my intense emotions known to her in a passionate wild intense way – after!

She surely knows that I am going to make sure that both off us are nothing but a steamed melting pot – consumed in nothing but our very own wild passion+ deep raw love for one another.

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One Hour Later

Khushi's POV

Ok.

Guys.

I swear to you all – I feel as excited and jumpy about this moment right now – as if this were the first time Arnav was leading me by the hand away to privacy.

So we spent the last hour with everyone in the family living room as we filled in Arnav over it all with great detail and happy and content family moments followed after. Arjun Dad, Raima aunty, Di, Jiju, Akash and Payal – all of them also expressed how proud they were off Arnav for standing by me through thick and thin of it all from the very moment I told him the truth plus everything after!

I'v talked to them about everything right? I also obviously included all the details about how Arnav has been my power plug through it all.

And on that note - I was finally able to stop weeping like a happy gooey melted pot about like thirty minutes ago – as I soaked in the happy and peaceful vibe off it all completely within. I felt so freaking free – free of any remaining fears shackling my being!

I felt like the lightest human in the whole wide world – indeed! How could I not? Given that I now knew – that Arnav and Me – have like a super green signal for our forever – from his family – after knowing my complete truth too!!!!!!!!

Ok – so – wait – we are going to reach Arnav's room in a couple of minutes. We were with everyone only about five minutes ago – until he finally voiced to all that he needed some moments for us and that we'd be back soon.

Everyone obviously nodded lovingly and Arnav lead me pretty much by the hand out in an intense silence.

He's continued to be that intense silent emotional zone all through the couple of minutes' walk to his room right now. I can easily sense that he's very emotional in the moment just like I am too!

We enter his room now and this time around the very second he closes the door shut – I pin him against the door like I had back in time before we first kissed and I pull him by the head closer in for a deep kiss almost immediately as I whisper into his lips too hoarsely – " I am sorry...baby...for not discussing this out with you prior...I am sorry that I covered this up to you then...I promise you...I'd never cover up anything again...but you do understand what I did...and why I did right baby? I could sense that you did ...after your vibe easened in there obviously and got all consumed emotionally...but I wana hear you say it to me...please...once again..now that we are finally alone..."

Arnav cluctches his hand into my hair and fists it in a gentle but firm grip like he loves too and he answers hoarsely into my lips – " I understand...yes..fiore..I do...but please promise me...that no cover up ever again...alright I get it..this was an exclusive situation and given that everything I noticed after...it only deepend your bond with everyone...which has surely made me a happy man...indeed...but please baby....no more cover ups..ever...okay? you know I wana be there to hold your hand through tough situations...right??? I am proud off you for doing what you did for yourself...for us...yes...I am...but still...promise me again...love...no cover ups...ever...again...even for a shortwhile...please?"

I consume his upper lip with my lower one as I clutch his hair in my fist like he had clutched mine – " yeah...baby....I promise...Mi Amore...I promise you that wholeheartedly...k?"

Arnav probes his way deeper into my lips now as he whispers – "godammit...you ...fiore...what have you done ?? Khushi?? Just what have you done?? You'v freaking touched such deep heartstrings/ or no wait...make that soul – strings in my being, in my soul...the strings that I never knew existed....just when I think you can't consume me more...because you are already in here....everywhere...you invade your way in ..further...dammit...you...godammit...you.....fiore..."

That from him makes me very emotional yet again and as his hands begin to caress me wildly – I moan into his lips as happy teras trail down my cheeks - " I know...we have to rush back soon baby to join everyone for dinner...but make...love..to me...Arnav...please...now...dammit...now...I wana make love to you right very now...and I wana do so this very second....because...finally I have no fear within me...no shackle of nervousness coming back to haunt my mind/ heart/ soul...that we'd ever have to be apart....your family wants me for you dammit...for real...after knowing the truth...and this freaking feels so emotionally.....magical...."

I know its exactly what he wants to do – too!

Arnav picks me up by the waist and I wrap my legs around his waist as we continue to kiss one another deep and end up stumbling on his couch now and he whispers into my lips – " too bad you stole my words.. for the former bit was exactly what I was about to whisper into your lips..too...anyways..just a heads up... fiore...our love making right now might just be the most intense it ever has been..because...yes......flash news...I have lost my freaking mind...to newly found destinations of soul – awakening emotion...for you...baby...only fair that I show you what I'v been feeling then??"

I whisper into his lips all lost – " ahaan...I lov...e the so....und of that ba....by"

He asks as he begins to get us both bare and his hands begin to drive me nuts with passion as his caresses turn a lot more possessive and intense as the heated vibe between of us continues too intensify and flame upto a heating point of a freaking active volcano – "just love? or super love?? fiore???"

And I can only whimper the words – " super..l...o..ve...of...course...Arna..v...bab...y..." into his lips as the clouds off passion take over my mind – and all thoughts cease.

He's going to make wild – passionate love to me. I am going to make wild passionate love to Him. And we are both surely going to succumb into the Melting Pot our raw, deep love is - mixing into the elemental energy of one another yet again.

He's going to just end up consuming every inch of my mind, body, heart and soul deeper than he already has and I am going to end up doing pretty much the same to him too.

It's a Bloody JACKPOT OF THE FREAKING GALAXY that the two of us are probably just destined to always sail in the same Boat – together.Isn't It??!!!

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How was That Guysssssssss??????????

Hope you all enjoyed both the sets off scenes – first with Alice and then Arnav's reaction!

Okay so next we are headed into a little leap which will be taking us straight to the UAE in time for the playoffs of the ASIA CUP! So Rollercoaster Alert + Seatbelts on – dear readers – as we now enter into this next leg of the Story!

Next Update : Monday Night – Next week(

Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

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